Oral Health

Cold Sore Treatment

Cold sores are a common nuisance. Although there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) that causes them, cold sore breakouts can be managed and avoided. Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, appear around the lips and mouth and are often associated with red, swollen and irritated skin around the breakout areas.

Symptoms of Cold Sores:

Pain around the mouth

Fever and sore throat

Swollen neck glands

Causes of Cold Sore Outbreaks:

Stress

Chapped Lips

Extreme sunlight exposure

Physical exhaustion or illness

Even though no cure exists for the cold sore virus, Dental Care at Crystal Park can provide you with antiviral medication to control the outbreaks and relieve any pain or irritation you are experiencing. You can also avoid developing cold sores by avoiding sharing utensils and drinking cups with others that may be infected.

For advice and treatment of cold sores, call Dental Care at Crystal Park at 703-892-0883.

Mouth Guards

Custom-fit mouth guards are prescribed and created by a dental professional from thermoplastic material and are based on a detailed mold taken of your mouth and teeth. They can be made for either sports or for nighttime teeth grinding and are created differently depending on the intended use. They're highly personalized, as your dentist can adjust the thickness of the mouthguard, and they're designed to fit perfectly in your mouth with no adjustments needed.

First, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This is generally done using a dental putty that forms to all the crevices of each tooth and creates an exact mold of your smile. The mold is then sent to the lab, where the actual mouthguard is created. The structure is made by layering superheated plastic to precise specifications and is then cooled to create an extremely durable piece of dental wear.

Because custom mouth guards are so precisely made, they are able to provide you with optimal safety and comfort. The level of protection afforded by custom-fitted mouthguards is unrivalled by any other mouthguard, and their durability is enhanced by the snug shape, which hugs each tooth closely, eliminating unwanted movement.

Night Guards

If you're experiencing chronic headaches and migraines because of involuntary night-time teeth clenching, let Dental Care at Crystal Park help you with a night guard. A night guard is a thin, transparent device that is worn over the biting surface of your teeth while you sleep to prevent contact between the upper and lower teeth. Night guards have also proven to be an effective remedy for patients who are suffering from the effects of grinding and clenching their teeth while sleeping.

Oral Cancer Screening

The dental community is the first line of defense in early detection of oral cancer. The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage — when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured. When found at the early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80-90% survival rate. Early detection is imperative!

Periodontal / Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is caused by bacteria in plaque. If not consistently removed, this bacteria builds up, infecting your teeth, gums and eventually the bone that supports your teeth, a common cause of tooth loss. Gum disease has three stages of progression: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis; the longer the disease has to advance, the more damage it causes. With advancements in detection and treatment, Dental Care at Crystal Park can discover periodontal disease early and begin treatment before complicated issues arise.

TMJ/TMD Treatment

Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD, sometimes referred to as TMJ). These disorders occur as a result of problems associated with the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge joint on each side of your head in front of your ears that connects the lower jawbone to your skull.

Possible causes of the disorder are:

Injury to the jaw, the joint or muscles of the head and neck, such as from a heavy blow or whiplash

Grinding or clenching your teeth

Dislocation of the ball and socket

Arthritis in the TMJ

Stress

Common symptoms include:

Pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew or speak

Problems when you try to open your mouth wide

Jaws that get "stuck" or "locked" in the open- or closed-mouth position

Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew

A tired feeling in your face

Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite, as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly

Swelling on the side of your face

TMD can be painful. If you're experiencing any symptoms, call Dental Care at Crystal Park at 703-892-0883 right away.

Dental Care at Crystal Park

Office Hours

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8:30 AM
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5:00 PM

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8:30 AM
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5:00 PM

W
8:30 AM
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5:00 PM

T
8:30 AM
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5:00 PM

F
8:30 AM
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5:00 PM

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Dental Care at Crystal Park welcomes patients with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to receive dental services, we would be happy to provide one. Please contact us at 703-892-0883 to let us know how we may be of assistance.